Truth Baptist Academy

Also known as

Heritage Boys Academy

Location

4014 Maynard Drive, Panama City, FL 32404

Accreditation

Unaccredited

Children served

boys

Description

Truth Baptist Academy is a "semi-military" boarding school in Panama City for boys ages 13 to 17 advertising online to parents "interested in teaching their youth discipline from a Bible standpoint. ".

"Unlike the "accredited" schools," the web site says, "we don't water down these subjects by allowing them to be taught drugs, fornication, homosexuality and other perversion, and are not allowed to behave like a rebellious animal (results of the digressive theory of evolution)."

The school is run by the Truth Baptist Church and its preacher Clayton "Buddy" Maynard on a secluded compound at the end of a wooded road named Maynard Drive. In 2010, authorities descended on the compound to examine boys at Heritage Boys Academy. They found bruises and bloody underwear at the military school whose preacher said he had permission from some parents to whip boys up to 25 times per day.

After recent inquiries from the Tampa Bay Times, state officials visited Maynard and confirmed he had at least two boys in his care.

Photo Gallery

A no trespassing sign sits on the road to Truth Baptist Church, which advertises that they operate a 24-hour military boarding school called Truth Baptist Academy in Panama City.

Allegations

Heritage Boys Academy closed in 2010 after a county investigation found evidence that boys were whipped.

Now preacher Clayton “Buddy” Maynard is once again caring for children — at least two boys, whose parents have signed over guardianship. State officials confirmed that during a recent visit prompted by the Times’ questions about the facility.

DCF abuse or neglect investigations

8

DCF verified cases

2

Maltreatment types reported

alcohol exposed child

asphyxiation

beatings

bizarre punishment

bone fracture

bruises/welts

History

Troubled boys have been sent to Preacher Clayton "Buddy" Maynard since 1995 for correction of bad behavior. The Department of Children and Families shows eight abuse investigations, with verified findings in 2006 of inappropriate or excessive restraints and in 2010 of physical injuries. After learning of regular whippings that left boys bruised, authorities arrested Maynard, his son and another school disciplinarian. But prosecutors lacked evidence and the case was dismissed.